Shower heads: varieties, best brands and secrets of choice

Many people are very fond of taking a shower. This is not only an opportunity to wash away the past day, but also another pleasant way to relax.

A shower head is such a simple and well-known thing that has long become a part of our everyday life for us. However, this small piece of plumbing plays a more important role than it might seem at first glance. The design and characteristics of the watering can often determine how pleasant and comfortable taking a shower will be.

If you want every little thing in your shower room to give you pleasure, then this article is for you. We will tell in it about how many varieties of watering cans can be found in stores today, what materials they are made from, and what additional functions will be useful to you. And also we will introduce you to the most famous manufacturers of these products.

Surely few of us have ever thought that something as simple as a shower head can be so diverse.

The division into types depends on the characteristics that are taken into account. First of all, this is always the attachment of the watering can. There are two types:

• stationary;
• with a hose.

The first type is the most traditional and involves permanent placement in one place. It connects to a water pipe hidden in the bathroom wall. Today they are most often equipped with shower cabins. Stationary watering cans are divided into two subspecies:

• wall-mounted;
• ceiling.

The brackets on which wall-mounted watering cans are usually attached can have special hinges that allow you to change the angle of inclination of the falling water. In ceiling models, such an opportunity is rare and only in the most expensive of their representatives. Ceiling showers, however, are great for simulating overhead showers such as "waterfall" or "rain".

Watering cans with a flexible hose are also called hand cans. The ability to move it in all planes provides maximum comfort. But always holding a watering can in your hands is not very convenient. Therefore, a special plug or holder can be installed on the wall. In this case, a hand-held watering can can replace a stationary one, and this makes it more versatile. Experts recommend giving preference to metal mounts, as those made of plastic quickly deteriorate.

Today, most shower cabins come with several different types of watering cans. This compromise solution can also be used for a simple bathroom, installing there both a stationary shower and a nozzle on a flexible hose.

Also shower heads can be subdivided by the method of water supply. The above types without additional "bells and whistles" are among the simplest varieties. Among other watering cans stand out.

• Massage - it is also called "tropical shower". This type has found great popularity in recent years. It has a larger size than conventional watering cans. Features of the structure provide the effect of rain, the intensity of which is changed using a special regulator. It can be used to increase the pressure, to give yourself a water massage, or, conversely, to lower it, just to relax under the gentle pressure of hot water.

• Backlit - the most interesting and unusual variety. The study of the influence of color on human well-being has been carried out for a long time. According to this science, certain colors can have positive effects on mood as well as health benefits. But if you don't believe in it, then a watering can with multi-colored backlighting will just be a very beautiful solution for you. It looks really mesmerizing. However, this type requires an electrical connection, as it is equipped with a small generator.

• Aeration - another popular species among the inhabitants of our country. Great for showers in multi-storey buildings where the water pressure is not good enough. Such watering cans have a very important function - cleaning from bleach, which can be present in large quantities in tap water.

• Water saving - aeration head to save water. Large water bills are a serious problem. Therefore, no one wants to waste it. Economical watering cans allow you to reduce waste by 10 liters per shower. They come with a water supply button that can open and close the valve and switch modes.

• With minerals - such watering cans usually include germanium, tourmaline and shungite. Passing through them, the water becomes softer and healthier.

As you can see, showering can be an art today. And a large selection of watering cans will allow you to choose the method that suits you best. But the variety of this plumbing detail is not limited to this.

The shape of the shower head is the first thing that catches your eye when you see it in a plumbing store. But, despite the huge number of different models, they can still be combined into several groups according to the form of execution.

• Round - the most common type of shower heads. They are simple, comfortable and organically fit into any interior. You can also highlight oval watering cans.

• Square or rectangular - the second most popular species. As efficient and comfortable as possible, but looks more unusual. It will fit perfectly into interiors decorated in the style of minimalism or Hi-Tech, where regular geometric shapes are important.

• Triangular - a type that usually refers to watering cans on a flexible hose. It looks interesting, easy to use, small in size.

• Oblong - have an unusual but beautiful design. But this type is not very effective due to the small working area.

If you want, you can always find designer watering cans, made in the most unusual shapes, for example, a telephone, snowflakes, rings, etc.... The options can be endless. But the cost of such watering cans is noticeably higher than usual, and the question of their effectiveness always remains open.

Sizes also vary. You determine the height from the floor yourself, depending on your own ideas about the convenience and the average height of the people who use it. When choosing a diameter, also be guided by your own preferences. For some, a simple watering can with an average diameter of 7-8 cm is enough. And for those who like to relax under real streams, there are large watering cans with a diameter of 20 cm or more.

Another significant difference between the models may lie in the material of manufacture. For this, manufacturers most often use:

• plastic - the cheapest material. Accordingly, watering cans from it are the most budgetary. They are lightweight and easy to install. At the same time, they look very good. But their service life barely exceeds one year.
• Metal - stainless steel, black bronze, copper or brass. A metal watering can will last much longer than a plastic one. Plus she looks very stylish. But from this, its price is noticeably higher, and the mass is heavier. If you drop such a watering can, you can easily damage something.
• Metal-plastic - the most modern material, but not yet so widespread. Combines the best qualities of the two previous options. These watering cans have a plastic body and metal internals.

Quartz glass or stone is least often used for manufacturing. But only exclusive custom-made items are produced from them. They are very strong, reliable, durable and have a luxurious appearance. The cost of such watering cans is correspondingly high.

The following brands are considered the most famous manufacturers of watering cans today.

• Grohe Is a German company known all over the world. Constantly produces new models with unusual designs.

• Hansgrohe Is another German company that is a leader in the sanitary ware market. Produces expensive, but very high quality equipment.

• Ideal Standart - a large European concern, popular in many countries. Its products are an excellent combination of high quality and excellent design.

• Aquanet Is a Russian manufacturer producing various models of watering cans. Its watering cans are reliable, durable and affordable.

• Oras - a Finnish company that is not inferior in product quality to its competitors from other countries. Her plumbing is considered very reliable and is guaranteed for several years.

If you want to buy a watering can that will serve you for more than one year, pay attention to more famous brands. Maybe these products are more expensive, but quality and reliability will be provided to you.

As we have already said, when choosing, you should focus mainly on personal preferences. The variety, shape and size of the shower head depend on them.

If you want to save money, check out the products of little-known companies like Hansa, Bossini or Lemark. But do not take very cheap plumbing fixtures from unknown Chinese manufacturers. It won't serve you for a long time.

Connoisseurs in the field of plumbing advise you to choose watering cans made of stainless steel or copper, because they perfectly combine an affordable price, reliability and a decent appearance. Brass is considered the ideal option - it is more expensive, but very wear-resistant.

When installing a watering can, it is better to choose a manual type with a flexible hose. It can be fixed to the wall with a holder and pulled out if necessary.

Everyone knows that a shower head must be regularly wiped down with a damp cloth so that it retains its original appearance. However, the inside of the watering can also gets dirty. There can accumulate limescale, pieces of rust and small debris that is present in unfiltered water.

This leads to the fact that the force of the water supply is weakened. To clean the inside of the watering can, it must be disassembled. Some models are simply untwisted by hand, while others will have to unscrew the fastening screw.

Now you know how to choose the right model and how to properly care for it so that it will last as long as possible.

The following video provides guidelines for choosing the best shower head.